Economic Tension in Lagos As Petrol Tanker Drivers Suspend Work

Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub faces economic tension in the coming days as the petroleum tanker drivers in the state embark on strike.

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) had said that its members in Lagos would suspend work in protest of what it called unfavourable working environment.

The state Chairman, NUPENG, Tayo Aboyeji, confirmed that the industrial action began on Monday, August 10.

Some of the issues the union wants the state government to resolve include alleged extortion by various security agents, the menace of containerised trucks at Apapa, Kirikiri and Beach Land axis areas of the state.

It added that the drivers are also harassed and extorted by area boys and area god-fathers.

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According to Aboyeji, the union’s talks with the state government led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu did not yield a positive result.

“Although, we met with the state government yesterday night (August 9), yet we could not reach an agreement”, he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

He also confirmed that only tanker drivers in Lagos are on strike.

“So, only the tanker drivers in Lagos State proceeded with the strike, because the environment is not conducive for tankers to operate,’’ he said.

There are fears that the densely overpopulated city, with a herculean transportation system, would be thrown into chaos if the strike action exceeds 48 hours.